Storytelling Fundraiser

2026 Storytelling Fundraiser
"Identity"

Thank You for Making Our Storytelling Night a Success!
What an incredible evening of stories, connection, and community!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Storytelling Fundraiser and helped make the night so special. To our storytellers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, guests, and everyone who supported this event, we are truly grateful for you!

Your generosity helps Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program continue providing free literacy services to adults in our community. Every ticket, donation, sponsorship, and act of support helps us create opportunities for adults to strengthen their literacy skills and reach their goals.

Most importantly, thank you for believing in the power of stories, education, and community. Your support helps us continue changing lives, one learner, one story, and one goal at a time.

Pictures and videos from the event are coming soon!
Check back here and follow us on social media for highlights from this memorable evening.

Thank you for being part of our story!

Meet our 2026 Storytellers

Storytellers are listed in the order they will appear during the evening.

2025 Storytelling Fundraiser

"Ode to Places"

Our event on May 17, 2025, was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU!

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, shared stories, and supported our mission. Your presence made the day truly special.

Photo Slideshow

Missed the Event? Watch the Stories Again!

Whether you weren’t able to attend or just want to relive the magic, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy the recorded stories and moments from the event below:

Rebecca Ward

Michelle Holland

Catherine Aguilar

Gino Brazil

Tessie Naranjo

Brenda Martinez

Watch Our 2024 Stories

Rebecca Ward

Catherine Aguilar

Gino Brazil

Brenda Martinez

The Story of Our Storytelling Journey

Workshops & Storytelling Nights

In late 2023, on a crisp winter morning, Gino Brazil, a passionate advocate for the arts and culture, and Brenda Martinez, the Executive Director of RAALP sat together to chat. Their conversation swirling with ideas on how to bring literacy to their community in a meaningful way. Gino spoke of the power of stories—the way they connect people, preserve culture, and inspire change. It was in that moment that the idea of a community storytelling journey was born.
By January and February, they had organized two storytelling workshops, where participants gathered to explore their voices, shape their narratives, and gain confidence in sharing their truths. Through March, April, and May, the storytelling grew, as community members came together to craft and refine their stories—stories of heritage, resilience, and personal transformation.
The magic that unfolded in these gatherings was undeniable. Stories had become bridges, linking generations and experiences, uniting listeners and tellers alike. This growing momentum led to the first-ever Storytelling Fundraiser in June 2024, where five storytellers took the stage, sharing narratives that ranged from cultural traditions to deeply personal journeys. Their words resonated, laughter and tears weaving through the audience as the power of storytelling filled the room.
Not only did the fundraiser exceed expectations—it surpassed its goal, thanks to generous donations, auction items, and community support. The success of that evening solidified one thing: storytelling had found a home in their literacy mission, and this would not be a one-time event.
Looking ahead to 2025, the staff and board at RAALP, Gino, and the growing storytelling community dream even bigger. New voices, new stories, and more impact. What started as a chat has blossomed into a tradition—one that will continue to illuminate lives, one story at a time.